Use of oxo-biodegradable plastics on the rise

The issue of biodegradability has paved the way for a long list of innovations in material solutions to meet sustainability concerns. Oxo-biodegradable plastics offer a convenient and relatively cost effective solution to the problem. Oxo-biodegradable plastics are produced by adding a small percentage, usually 1%, of a pro-degradant additive to the conventional plastic raw material whilst extruding the film/sheet, or injection moulding/blow moulding containers.

Oxo-biodegradation of plastics is defined by TC249/WG9 of CEN (the European Standards Organisation) as "degradation identified as resulting from oxidative and cell-meditative phenomena, either simultaneously or successively."

Oxo-biodegradable plastics can be recycled or burned, if collected. However, if they are disposed recklessly, they will degrade and disappear, leaving no harmful residues. Exposure to sunlight and heat speeds up its degradation, but the process of oxo-biodegradation, once commenced, continues even in the absence of light as long as there is air around. Water, carbon dioxide and humus are the resulting components.

In terms of functional qualities, oxo-biodegradable plastics are no different from conventional plastics but on continuous exposure to UV and heat, they begin to degrade and biodegrade in finite number of years without the need for special decomposing conditions. The degradation timeline of such products is normally tailor-made according to applications. Generally oxo-biodegradable plastic bags are given to have a shelf life of one or two years but there are some applications where there is also secondary usage post recycling.

A report issued on oxo-biodegradable plastics by Aston University, UK states that the fundamental point about oxo-biodegradable technology is that the formulation turns ordinary plastic into a material of different molecular structure (in the presence of oxygen) by the end of its life. At that stage, the product is no longer a plastic and becomes a material which is biodegradable in the environment the same way as a leaf. It does not leave fragments behind, is non-toxic, does not block drains and is no longer a form of visual pollution.

It further states that oxo-biodegradable plastic biodegrades in a much shorter timescale than ordinary plastic. It does not contain heavy metals and it complies with EU and US regulations for direct contact with food.

Setting the best example
The Middle East region has moved forward with its commitment to the environment by promoting oxo-biodegradable plastics and additives. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned all disposable plastic products except those made from oxo-biodegradable plastic. By Decree 77/5, the use of plastic bags and other plastic products had been prohibited starting January 1, 2012.

All plastic products would need ECAS Registration Certificate issued by ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology) and will be issued only for products made from oxo-bio plastic. These products must be made with pro-degradant additive from suppliers who have been audited by ESMA, and they have to comply with UAE Standard 5009 of 2009. Many supermarket chains and retail outlets in GCC countries particularly UAE, Qatar and Bahrain have already been seen using oxo-biodegradable plastic bags as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

In the UAE, ESMA has developed UAES 5009-2009, "Standard for Oxo-Biodegradable Bags and Disposable Plastics Packaging." However, on a larger scale, oxo-biodegradable plastics are fully compatible with the initiatives "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," and can form an important CSR initiative for FMCG producers or plastic bag users.

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